As we move into December, the focus of our efforts at Colorado Concern turns to the upcoming session of the Colorado General Assembly and what issues we expect will emerge for debate and action during the 120-day gathering of our state's elected leaders.

 

The coming year includes an election in November with the Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State and seats in both the House and the Senate in play.  Historically, an "even-numbered year" means that partisan offerings

 are toned down - so as not to provide campaign fodder for opponents - but it is too soon to tell if that will be the case in 2014.  One certainly hopes so!

 

While we certainly prefer focusing on supporting measures we believe benefit Colorado, we often find ourselves playing defense, a role we believe is critical to preserve and protect our state's business climate.  In advance of the coming session we are hearing of several measures that fall in that category that will require our playing defense. 

 

The first is a multi-pronged proposal from organized labor that makes substantive changes to our current workers' compensation system.  Colorado's current system is stable, and the rates are reasonable.  In fact, economic development professionals are able to use it as a carrot in their efforts to bring new employers to our state.  The draft proposal moves to a "doctor choice" model for injured workers, as well as makes changes in the safety rules guidelines and dictates how employee separation and settlement agreements are crafted.  We believe, as drafted, this measure will increase costs, litigation and the amount of time it takes for an injured worker to receive the care they desire and deserve.  Conversations will continue with organized labor, legislators and the governor's office around this measure and its likely impacts.

 

Another area of concern is the reintroduction of legislation focused on slowing or banning the extractive industry.  Colorado's oil and gas production is a key driver of our economy, employing thousands of citizens and providing tax revenue for local and state government.  We all agree that appropriate guidelines should exist to ensure public safety, but attempts to stop the energy industry from performing its work go a step too far.  We will stand with our energy partners to oppose such attempts.

Last, we will be watchful for legislation that impacts our current tort system or modifies the balance between labor and management.  

 

If you have any questions about the measures noted above, or if a specific piece of legislation is of interest or concern, please do not hesitate to contact me at tamra@coloradoconcern.com.

 

We look forward to seeing you this evening at our Holiday Reception at the Governor's Residence.

 

Please join Colorado Concern and the Colorado Futures Center at Colorado State University for a presentation outlining the Center's analysis of Colorado government's long-term fiscal health. 

 

Colorado Futures Center Director Charles Brown or Lead Economist Phyllis Resnick will present the 2013 Colorado Sustainability Study.  This updated study, which examines the factors shaping Colorado's General Fund for the decades ahead, builds and expands upon the widely cited and award-winning 2011 study.

 

This event is taking place Monday, December 16 from 2:00 to 3:30 at Colorado Concern.  Click here to register.

 

Economy/Economic Development 

Colorado makes push to boost exports

Denver Post: December 2

 

Colorado gets $5.7 million from federal small business credit initiative

Denver Business Journal: December 3

 

Denver Post: December 4

 

Denver Post: December 5

 

Denver Business Journal: December 5

 

Denver Post: December 5

 

Aurora seeks to stop lawsuit over Gaylord project

Denver Post: December 6

 

US unemployment falls to 7 pct. on 203K jobs added

Denver Post: December 6

 

Jobs report to help show if U.S. economic surge is for real

Denver Post: December 6

 

Education

Carroll: An "absurd result" in Adams 12 school board election

Denver Post: December 4

 

Denver Post: December 4

 

Denver Post: December 4

 

READ Act requires commitment by Colorado teachers, parents

Longmont Daily Times-Call: December 7

 

CU online plan is groundbreaking

Denver Post: December 6

 

Elections/Politics

Denver Post: December 2

 

Denver Post: December 4

 

Denver City Attorney Doug Friednash to leave post for private firm

Denver Post: December 5

 

Study gives Colorado a "D" for judges' financial disclosure rules

Denver Post: December 5

 

Obama to focus agenda on closing economic gap

Denver Post: December 5

 

Development

Denver condo construction declining due to lawsuits and more, report says

Westword: November 26

 

LEED, the eco-friendly construction rating system faces attacks

Denver Post: December 6

 

Energy

Colorado's oil and gas rules seen as a model worldwide

Denver Business Journal: December 2

 

Pro-fracking group files suit against Broomfield elections division

Denver Post: December 4

 

Denver Business Journal: December 4

 

Denver Business Journal: December 5

 

Denver Business Journal: December 5

 

 Weld County, Colorado: Ground Zero In The Anti-Fracking Battle

Forbes: December 5

 

Home energy efficiency is a $1.5 billion batteground for companies

Denver Post: December 6

 

Broomfield's fracking vote certified; opposition says the fight is not over

Denver Business Journal: December 6

 

Floods

Denver Post: December 2

 

HUD brings $62.8 million to bear on Colorado flood recovery

Denver Post: December 6

 

Health Care

Envision Healthcare positioned to ride wave of reforms

Denver Post: December 2

 

Denver Post: December 3

 

Denver Post: December 3

 

CEO of Colorado's troubled state health exchange seeks year-end bonus

Denver Post: December 5

 

New analysis shows health policies in mountain resorts can be cheaper

Denver Post: December 6

 

Labor

Denver Business Journal: December 4

 

Marijuana

Denver Post: December 3

 

Colorado medical marijuana business application backlog persists

Denver Post: December 4

 

Friednash: Marijuana will be a Colorado legal problem for decades

Denver Business Journal: December 6

 

Taxes

Keegan: The fine art of taxation

Denver Post: December 2

 

Telecommunications

Denver Post: December 4

 

Transportation

Denver Post: December 2

 

Denver Post: December 4

 

Water

Denver Post: December 4